Bowker, Dexter, CPT

(Excerpt from obituary published in Express-News on December 4, 2011)

After the War, the Bowkers settled in Plainfield, New Jersey, where Captain Bowker was appointed station commander of the Plainfield National Guard Armored Unit. An inveterate musician, he played first violin in the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, while also building his career in corporate finance. Mr. Bowker was, at the time of his retirement in 1977, the world controller for Sylvania International of GTE Corp. in New York, New York. In this position he traveled the world extensively. In 1962 Dexter and Margaret moved to their dream home on the Shrewsbury River in Rumson, New Jersey. After his retirement the couple moved to San Antonio to be closer to their daughter and grandson. At this time, Mr. Bowker resumed his musical activities and played violin with the Trinity Symphony Orchestra and other community string ensembles. He composed numerous arrangements for the 5th Army Stage Band, string quartets and soloists. A number of years ago, Mr. Bowker donated many of his arrangements to the music department of UTSA. Mr. Bowker was an extremely talented writer, composer, musician, and carpenter, crafting fine furniture as a hobby. He will be remembered for his great charm, sharp wit, intellect and devotion to his beloved Margaret, his family and his country.

Captain Dexter Bowker’s Daughter (and my cousin), Margaret Ellen Johnson, has been the primary provider of quality control and the information provided on this tribute page. In her own words: “I am so touched by your diligence in setting this up as a tribute to what I have always known; he was a brave and very special man; however, rereading a lot of these documents I have found out more and more how much danger he put himself in without a thought except it was his duty to his country. He told me he never considered himself a hero. How wrong he was!!! Again, this has just been such a great experience for me and I can't thank you enough. My father would be brought to tears by this tribute. In the end when he tried to talk of the war, and described the landing on D-Day he broke down completely, and even after 67 years he was still affected by the experience. He still felt it as if it had just happened. Well, now, his war is over and he is with his beloved again and they are at peace”.